LNCC PLEASED WITH FEDERAL COMMITMENTS FOR BUSINESSES, INFRASTRUCTURE, CLEAN ENERGY
HAPPY VALLEY-GOOSE BAY – The Labrador North Chamber of Commerce (LNCC) is pleased with yesterday’s Speech from the Throne by the Government of Canada and its supports for small businesses, individuals, and industries hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We’re pleased with the federal government’s commitment to continued and additional supports for small businesses, the creation of more jobs, and the assurance that women and young people re-enter the workforce quickly,” says LNCC Chairperson Andy Turnbull. “We know there are sectors hardest hit by the pandemic, as well as a significant impact on women and young people in the workforce who were disproportionally displaced. The commitments outlined reflect the LNCC’s continued advocacy for its members and businesses in the region throughout the pandemic.”
In particular, the LNCC is pleased with the following commitments:
· Continuation of the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy and Canadian Emergency Business Account through to Summer 2021
· Additional business supports for industries hardest hit by the pandemic, such as travel, tourism and the arts
· $1M in direct investment in the social sector, infrastructure, and training, while providing incentives for employers to hire and retain workers
· Creation of an Action Plan and Task Force to ensure a feminist response to the pandemic and additional supports to help women re-enter the workforce
· Creation of an Early Learning and Childcare System to employ additional childcare supports
· Acceleration of the Universal Broadband Fund to ensure all Canadians have access to high-speed Internet including connectivity for rural communities in Labrador
· Commitment to mental health and wellness by working with municipalities to expand greenspace and urban parks
· Partnership with First Nations, Inuit and Metis Nations on reconciliation including closing the infrastructure gap and aiding in community capacity building
· Continuation of $5B Clean Power Fund to help transition northern, remote and Indigenous communities from diesel-fueled power onto clean, renewable, reliable energy
· Funding of the Atlantic Loop project to connect surplus clean power in Labrador to regions throughout Atlantic Canada transitioning from coal
With infrastructure assets and associated training opportunities at CFB 5 Wing Goose Bay, coupled with Labrador’s ability to power the economy with rare earth metals and clean, reliable hydroelectricity, Labrador is well-positioned to support the country and the federal government’s vision for capacity building and sustainable economic growth.
“The government has outlined a blueprint for recovery while ensuring the protection of our health and the economy,” says Turnbull. “As we continue to transition to an economic upturn in this region and throughout Atlantic Canada, the Chamber is eager to hear more details to ensure we are on a solid path to a manageable and sustainable recovery with a priority on businesses and northern and remote regions.”
The LNCC looks forward to obtaining further details surrounding investments outlined while continuing to support its members and regional business community through the pandemic.
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Labrador North Chamber of Commerce
